That was just the beginning of the long road to recovery for Annika. 15 months off therapy, she relapsed and was in need of a bone marrow transplant.

She missed an entire year of school and last year alone spent 80 days in the hospital.

"We were at a difficult part of her treatment and she said, mom, don't forget you got to look at the sunny side of the situation. It could always be worse," Annika's mom recounted.

It's a bold stance, when at seven you've received a total of 25 blood transfusions. The blood came from complete strangers who've donated to Memorial Blood Centers.

"When we think about Annika's story, it's one of those things that you always think that's never going to happen to me or that's never going to be my family," said Tania McVean, Memorial Blood Centers' community and hospital relations coordinator. "Unfortunately, those are things that happen, those are things that happen every day."

Statistics reveal one in three people will need blood in their lifetime. One of those precious lives belongs to Annika.

"I would just say thanks. Thanks to all those people who donate, Linberg said. "They're really saving a life and they helped save my daughter's life.

A girl who now has a clean bill of health and is starting a brand new chapter of her life.

Memorial Blood Centers will host a day long Thanksgiving Blood Drive on Monday. The drive will be held at the organization's Burning Tree Plaza branch from 11 am to 6 p.m.